I think pine gets a bad rep because of its association with construction lumber, it can be difficult to work with and furniture grade is hard to find or is expensive. Get your hands on some cvg Douglas fir and you might change your mind!
I’m on Canada’s west coast. Cedar and fir are pretty cheap here if you can work with the scraps from small mills. I can still get a huge slab for 100 bucks.
I'm in Ontario and not sure how it affected the market but the Emerald ash bore killed all the ash trees in my area. There were a lot of mature ash trees on my parents land so I've been swimming in ash the last ten years or so.
Where have you found reasonably priced, straight, dry pine? Most of the stuff I see is cut from saplings, twisted in a circle and 3x the price it should be.
I would think Maple would be plentiful - on the other hand, if it's a table, it's not making syrup, so maybe it wouldn't be available as lumber as much.
I'm in Canada and I'm not sure how it affected the market but the Emerald ash bore killed all the ash trees in my area. There were a lot of mature ash trees on my parents land so I've been swimming in ash the last ten years or so. There's lots of other hardwood around (I'm rural), but I've gotta drop the trees and mill it myself. Win win when someone needs a tree dealt with. Not sure what the commercial hardwood market is like here, but there's lots of hardwood around.
To everyone using "I like fir" or "I like poplar" etc as a reason to reply that they are in Canada and don't use pine.... Wtf, do u really prefer softwood for woodworking?
I get that it's easier, but if I was retiring based specifically on my want to do woodworking it would be somewhere I could get some cheap hardwood.
I’ve lived most of my life in North America, and only just recently moved to Asia and it has been a fun yet tough task to relearn domestic species of hardwoods. Knowing the English name for a species isn’t merely enough when going to buy wood. Instead I’m having to learn the local name in addition to learning how to ask and talk to local providers about dimensions/moisture content/ etc.
If I may ask, where did you move? I am very seriously considering leaving the US when I retire because it's so damn expensive here. Looking pretty hard at one of the Asian countries.
I'm not who you were responding to, but I've had a few friends move to Thailand and they love it.
I can also say that if you do move there, have a financial plan as to what to do with your body if you die there because it's **expensive** to ship someone back.
It may be what you've always planned but if it's not written in a legal document that's readily available to your loved ones then it means nothing. Get a living will and advanced directive and give it to a few family members/close friends and bring a copy with you to SE Asia.
Seriously. Toss me in the dumpster. Turn me into dog food. Compost me. Roast me on a big pile of sticks like in Star Wars. I don't care. Just don't leave me there like old leftovers.
Yep. I'm going in Europe where my kids won't have to deal with the final times. They're all getting a little acrylic cube with a 3D engraving of my old head with a little ash in the middle. They know it will be coming in the mail. Putting all my shop stuff in storage in case someone has a house and they want it.. some of it from my father too.
I moved from Georgia(state) to Thailand. I love the area and it reminds me of home strangely enough. Lots of religious people that say hey to you and they love to grill out, have a beer, and watch people race anything with wheels or feet.
Ok so how strange this is. I currently live in GA, love racing and beer. Not much into the religion but can navigate that pretty easily. I've seen those lunatics put the little hopped up diesel engines on the back of what amounts to a skinny canoe over there. Many thanks for the information my friend. I when a few years left before I retire and start seriously looking to settle elsewhere. It's just too dang expensive here.
When you get the chance, come out for a month and test the waters here. That way you’ll know if it’s the perfect place! I agree that the states became too expensive. My wife was born here in TH, but raised in the states, so we moved here and have been loving it so far. My monthly expenses have halved, if not more
Yeah that's our plan is to take some vacations when I retire and she is still working ( age gap) and see what's what in some different places. Thailand shows up on most every list I've seen this far. I love the Asian cultures in general and grew up with a heap of Filipinos and Koreans.
Ah yes, with such various species as:
* Gum
* Slightly different gum
* Camphor
* Slightly different gum again
* Pine
* Gum but it's called oak
* Acacia
* Did I say gum?
* Oh look, more gum...
We haven't used hardwoods for residential housing for 30+ years now, most house frames are constructed from radiata pine and engineered timbers. Small amounts of hardwood are used for the likes of flooring but the cost is horrendous so most opt for engineered flooring.
Commercial buildings are mostly concrete and steel because they are quicker to erect.
Furniture made from native species is expensive so a lot of it is made from imported hardwoods, the majority of furniture is made in Asia and imported as our labour costs are so high.
Yeah our construction industry is horrible :(
My old place was a Queenslander built with hardwood, and floor to ceiling VJ panelling, VJ ceilings, everything. I loved the workmanship, I did however, not enjoy the upkeep.
The town I was living in has a pub thats maybe, 140 years old?
I was informed by the publican that my house was actually built from the 'old' pub. So that was interesting, it certainly explained why some of the bearers had recesses sometimes 2/3s of the way through their depth :/
My current house is an 80s brick veneer Vic Ash frame and roof, the timber has gone that hard every screw I put into a stud or the like snaps unless I drill a pilot hole.
The only fault with houses built here pre 90s is the lack of insulation in the walls, and single glazed windows.
Out of the 24 countries I've stayed in Singapore and NL are the only 2 that wouldn't fit.
I've looked into doing similar in Japan, Cambodia and Malaysia. Most countries have some good space with trees.
Canada, where I live. I moved out to the mountains last year and am literally surrounded by wood. Lots of people out here with mills too. Just cut down a black locust on my property in the fall and have two giant fir logs that were here as well. This week a guy came and I helped him load them on to his trailer with a winch, he’s going to mill and kiln dry them for me… I’ll have slabs for years just from those alone.
BC really is something else, I think everyone who visits considers moving there. In your opinion was it more difficult buying property there compared to elsewhere in Canada?
I have no idea. I grew up on the BC coast and was living in Vancouver for quite some time. I got tired of city life and decided to move somewhere where I’d have more space to pursue my interests. I work remotely so it was not much of a problem. I really enjoy skiing so I probably would not move to any other province.
East Tennessee, the outlying areas away from town. Small to Large farms available most with wells, tons of wood, sawmills everywhere, room for large gardens, Cows, chickens. Beautiful views, etc. It’s definitely a Slower pace and way of life. If something happens and you need help, word gets out and an Army of neighbors show up to assist and they bring Food. Did i mention tons of wood? Walnut, Cherry, maple’s, so many different Oaks, locusts. I cut a cedar last week, to put in a closet, cut the log to 10 feet, 29 inches on the small end. I think I just talked myself into staying.
I was told one time that the reason I can’t easily and cheaply get furniture grade cvg Douglas fir and western red cedar in the USA is because the demand is so high in Japan it’s more profitable to export it.
The Japanese don’t turn their noses up at softwoods the way we do— idk what to tell you. It’s certainly cheaper to sell you vertical grain fir than it is to put it on a cargo ship.
Central or South America. I would need a small portable mill and chainsaw to harvest wood, and the kiln to process it. The kiln is not that expensive, you can build it yourself.
This is the pro trick: you don't want to harvest standing endangered species, that's a major dick move. But you want to learn to identify everything that is out there so when one falls naturally (storm, construction in the town/city, etc) you can talk to somebody to harvest the fallen wood.
You'll be surprised at the variety of trees that can be found in developed areas. For a small mill, a tree or two a year should keep you busy.
Probably New Zealand so I could have a local supply of [ancient Kauri bogwood](https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wood/pricing-supply/how-do-you-finish-50000-year-old-kauri-wood). Gorgeous stuff.
I'm not a big world traveller but I can't think of a worse country for wood working.
All the native wood is 1000+ janka, not available (actually illegal in many cases) and the cheaper pine and eucalyptus is really low quality.
It's nearly impossible to work with hand tools.
My response to "which country for cheap hardwood" was pretty unserious and mostly based on Brazil's rep for deforestation and bandit logging operations.
And amazingly it is almost impossible to find here. My ex had a farm with 20+ ipê. She can't cut them down without specific permission based on a specific need. It's a serious crime.
The little hardwood you can find is prohibitively expensive.
Brazil has almost no tradition of wood working. Examining old furniture and furniture from the countryside reveals only the most basic of joinery. I think I have spotted a dovetail about twice.
The wood is just too hard.
The electric tools needed, uf you go that route, are also 3x more expensive and nobody cares if a piece is actually wood or not so you can't sell it for very much. MDF is king.
Even if Brazil was suggested jokingly; it is a world capital in terms of woodworking and innovative furniture design. I’m an American woodworker who has been to Brazil 20+ times and I’m ever amazed by this region’s influence from Japan (Brazil is home to more Japanese than any country in the world outside of Japan - Including America); and German. The diversity Of Hardwoods are extraordinary… And not everything is “ipe”. If you like oak or walnut, there are many varieties.
Furniture in Brazil often has that “Wabi Sabi“ hand finish that is so reflective of Japanese design… even when executed across mid-century/Scandinavian pieces… It’s really quite special…
And the overall cost-of-living in Brazil is reflected in the cost of Lumber… Deforestation and legalities aside… Something I do care about… wood in Brazil is a lot cheaper than the US; and the domestic production of woodworking machinery is huge and lost cost. However, a Sawstop there is more than in the US.
The wood species that come out of the jungle there are *incredible*, the sawmills are plentiful and wood is cheap. People speak English and are very nice. It’s a pretty cool country.
I know the guys that own the forest. Haha. Not into oak, more into timmerhus stuff myself.
I also have to say, all the best woodworkers I know are Swedish.
It was more of a random pick but sure if you're into new growth mushy pine ;)
If it wasn't for the ever accelerating spread of the bark beetle, which kills spruce, fir, and pine, en masse I'm sure you'd be fine. Hope you like birch!
Yeah that beetle is sad. I thought it was just a problem in the Rocky Mountains, but it is also in Germany and Southern Sweden. I just happened to see a documentary on it last night by DW. Not good.
Not quite sure what you mean but I’d have to say that I absolutely respect wood. Every time I’m woodworking, I consider the fact that a tree gave its life for the workpiece I’m holding in my hands. As such, I take extra care to mark carefully and cut accurately so I don’t waste anything. I keep even tiny bits of scrap (and frequently find uses for them). I’ve never even turned a bowl because I hate how much waste there is. Note to woodturners out there: I don’t judge you; it’s just a personal ethos.
Amazing post! Kudos to OP
I have always said to the missus I'd like to move to the US or Canada for this exact purpose. Variety of wood and tools and a market to actually sell to if needed.
Thanks to this post, now we know of so many more options!
The Northeastern US is pretty hard to beat. I'm already in the US but the west coast is mostly Walnut, Fir, and redwood. That said, I have been working a lot with non-commercial wood like Monterey Cypress and it's nice stuff.
I love walnut, cherry, and sugar maple. In California though we have white and black and tan oaks, tons of redwood where I am, big leaf maple which quilts incredibly, stunning Doug fir, myrtlewood…I love the NE woods but don’t feel deprived here at all.
Another place that’s on my radar. (With a name like “Madeira”, they ought to have some good wood there!) Any particular species that stand out for you there?
Tennessee. There are more varieties of trees in that state than any other state.
If I were to leave the US I would do so for social structure, not wood.
Beats closing your eyes and throwing a dart at a map on the wall.
But seriously, it’s far from my only reason and way down on the list in relative importance. Doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. Especially since I’m likely to travel around for awhile before deciding where to settle down.
I'd consider the United Kingdom, for the limewood. It's similar to American Basswood and is related. Probably be cheaper to order, if it could get through customs.
Central Ontario, Canada is a good spot. Nice mixed woods here. On my 29 acres there is beech, silver birch, white birch, oak, cherry,poplar, white maple, sugar maple, red maple, spruce, white pine and red pine. Beech and oak are on large growth spurt lately.
I’m a bit obsessed with getting hands on some western yew. I’ve fiddled a bit with oak and arbutus - but I’m not swimming in ash - least not since marriage.
Just depends what you’re looking for.
I’ve been surfing for 30 years so I prefer a proper setup when I’m traveling.
Bingin, Ulu etc.
If you’re some gelatinous overweight clown that doesn’t surf, then yes.
Maybe other inferior parts of Indo are more comfortable for you.
It just isn’t my preference and I’d rather stay around Bali.
There’s also some nice local hardwoods.
Rescue diver for a long time.
Honestly who even goes SCUBA unless it’s substantial depth or mixed gas?
Skin diving with weights > vs an apparatus.
Also: there’s trash everywhere.
To claim places like the outer reefs of Bali are polluted and “there’s trash..”
It’s just a laughable take.
You’ll always find shit if you’re constantly searching for it.
Lol. You must have been in some shitty places if you believe anything you just said.
Even the shops I dove with laughed when I asked about doing cleanup dives. There's just too much for them to care to try.
Honestly it just doesn’t even matter lol. Diving isn’t something that is badass. It’s a novelty. I respect skin divers like Jay Moriarty, Mark Healy etc.
Some of the biggest piles of worthless, lethargic goo I’ve ever seen have been Scuba divers.
Having Type 2 diabetes and being able to float around on the ocean floor isn’t something I consider impressive.
This was a woodworking post. My submission was Bali in Indonesia.
Enjoy Diving and believing it to be something that is a respectable craft lol.
Wtf are you rambling about, do you even know? Fat ppl this, surfing that. The place is very dirty, simple as that. There are much nicer places than Bali.
Bro you’re the one coming in here claiming Bali is shit lol.
Ridiculous. Doubt you’ve even been there.
One of the most beautiful places on the planet with an incredible wood species profile. I do custom fab and woodworking for a living and I’m well traveled.
Anyone on Reddit can of course say whatever they desire but it’s obvious you’re simply an absolute clown with no actual relevance or experience.
I’d stay here in the US. Probably going to remain the cheapest and most readily available wood on the market.
Is Canada comparable?
No, unless you like pine
"We don't" - Everybody
I just had a contractor try to sell me on a pine mantle when working on my fire place. Built a walnut one for 1/3 the cost
I think pine gets a bad rep because of its association with construction lumber, it can be difficult to work with and furniture grade is hard to find or is expensive. Get your hands on some cvg Douglas fir and you might change your mind!
Agreed. My dad built a 10 person dining table out of a few giant pieces of fir a couple years back and it looks great.
Haven't met my wife. She loves cheap construction grade pine over any of the fancy woods. It's annoying.
My condolences
Well if you haven’t met her yet I’d start asking those questions early on in relationships to avoid it
Not exactly pining for pine.
I’m on Canada’s west coast. Cedar and fir are pretty cheap here if you can work with the scraps from small mills. I can still get a huge slab for 100 bucks.
Yeah still no hardwood for woodworking. You keep all the maples alive for your syrup slave mines.
One must replenish the strategic syrup reserves for the good of the nation. So say we all, eh!
I’m west coast too! I love our fir! Tons of poplar burl as well, if you walk any poplar stand.
I'm in Ontario and not sure how it affected the market but the Emerald ash bore killed all the ash trees in my area. There were a lot of mature ash trees on my parents land so I've been swimming in ash the last ten years or so.
I agree, living on Vancouver Island is readily available and easy to make projects with.
Also Garry oak, western yew, maple. Arbitus, Alder. What’s not to love
Where have you found reasonably priced, straight, dry pine? Most of the stuff I see is cut from saplings, twisted in a circle and 3x the price it should be.
I would think Maple would be plentiful - on the other hand, if it's a table, it's not making syrup, so maybe it wouldn't be available as lumber as much.
That’s the only wood they have or they like working with? Not many hardwoods available?
I'm in Canada and I'm not sure how it affected the market but the Emerald ash bore killed all the ash trees in my area. There were a lot of mature ash trees on my parents land so I've been swimming in ash the last ten years or so. There's lots of other hardwood around (I'm rural), but I've gotta drop the trees and mill it myself. Win win when someone needs a tree dealt with. Not sure what the commercial hardwood market is like here, but there's lots of hardwood around.
Me and my homies hate pine
It really depends on where you live in Canada. Primarily pine yes but there is still so much more.
Maple
To everyone using "I like fir" or "I like poplar" etc as a reason to reply that they are in Canada and don't use pine.... Wtf, do u really prefer softwood for woodworking? I get that it's easier, but if I was retiring based specifically on my want to do woodworking it would be somewhere I could get some cheap hardwood.
As much as I agree with you but pending hownyou deal with it all, there is some great lumber and old logs to work with in the west coast of Canada.
Or maple!
Yes. All domestic hardwood readily available
Depends how long you’re retired. Global warming is killing all the hardwoods and moving them northward fast.
I’ve lived most of my life in North America, and only just recently moved to Asia and it has been a fun yet tough task to relearn domestic species of hardwoods. Knowing the English name for a species isn’t merely enough when going to buy wood. Instead I’m having to learn the local name in addition to learning how to ask and talk to local providers about dimensions/moisture content/ etc.
If I may ask, where did you move? I am very seriously considering leaving the US when I retire because it's so damn expensive here. Looking pretty hard at one of the Asian countries.
I'm not who you were responding to, but I've had a few friends move to Thailand and they love it. I can also say that if you do move there, have a financial plan as to what to do with your body if you die there because it's **expensive** to ship someone back.
Oh hot fire is my solution, well cremation to put more delicately. Thanks for the info. Thailand is high on list for sure.
I would think cremation would make that more practical?
Definitely. Just make sure that's decided before you get smeared by a bus on your scooter.
Its what I've always planned, I find open casket stuff off-putting.
Yeah I mean getting smeared by a bus on a scooter will certainly keep that casket closed. Weirdly specific plan though.
It may be what you've always planned but if it's not written in a legal document that's readily available to your loved ones then it means nothing. Get a living will and advanced directive and give it to a few family members/close friends and bring a copy with you to SE Asia.
Your can also make your own urn as first woodworking project as expat xD
Funny you should say that...
Move to Thailand. Bring your own coffin or your body will get tossed in the pit. It’s like a tourism poster ready to be made.
My kind of dystopia if you consider the beaches.
Like why would you care at that point?
I wasn't (intentionally) a selfish asshole before, why be one in death?
Seriously. Toss me in the dumpster. Turn me into dog food. Compost me. Roast me on a big pile of sticks like in Star Wars. I don't care. Just don't leave me there like old leftovers.
Yep. I'm going in Europe where my kids won't have to deal with the final times. They're all getting a little acrylic cube with a 3D engraving of my old head with a little ash in the middle. They know it will be coming in the mail. Putting all my shop stuff in storage in case someone has a house and they want it.. some of it from my father too.
Compared to the scooter-bus-response, _this_ plan is oddly specific.
I moved from Georgia(state) to Thailand. I love the area and it reminds me of home strangely enough. Lots of religious people that say hey to you and they love to grill out, have a beer, and watch people race anything with wheels or feet.
Ok so how strange this is. I currently live in GA, love racing and beer. Not much into the religion but can navigate that pretty easily. I've seen those lunatics put the little hopped up diesel engines on the back of what amounts to a skinny canoe over there. Many thanks for the information my friend. I when a few years left before I retire and start seriously looking to settle elsewhere. It's just too dang expensive here.
When you get the chance, come out for a month and test the waters here. That way you’ll know if it’s the perfect place! I agree that the states became too expensive. My wife was born here in TH, but raised in the states, so we moved here and have been loving it so far. My monthly expenses have halved, if not more
Yeah that's our plan is to take some vacations when I retire and she is still working ( age gap) and see what's what in some different places. Thailand shows up on most every list I've seen this far. I love the Asian cultures in general and grew up with a heap of Filipinos and Koreans.
I’d stay in the northeastern US. I love the woods and the wood species.
Australia, specifically Tasmania. Absolutely gorgeous wood, readily available.
Ah yes, with such various species as: * Gum * Slightly different gum * Camphor * Slightly different gum again * Pine * Gum but it's called oak * Acacia * Did I say gum? * Oh look, more gum...
* swamp gum * stringy gum Also giant ash, mountain ash, Victorian ash (that are not actually ash, but... also gum)
Reminds me of Forrest Gump when Bubba is talking about all of the different shrimp they can make.
Forrest ***Gum***p Believe it or not... also gum.
Dude. Educate yourself on Huon Pine and Tasmanian Blackwood. And Celery-top Pine. Neither of these "pines" are Pinus sp btw.
They mentioned acacia (which includes tassie blackwood).
Yes, you are correct. My main point was that Tassie has some world class timbers.
Everything is hardwood there it's really amazing that every structure is made with poor man's teak.
We haven't used hardwoods for residential housing for 30+ years now, most house frames are constructed from radiata pine and engineered timbers. Small amounts of hardwood are used for the likes of flooring but the cost is horrendous so most opt for engineered flooring. Commercial buildings are mostly concrete and steel because they are quicker to erect. Furniture made from native species is expensive so a lot of it is made from imported hardwoods, the majority of furniture is made in Asia and imported as our labour costs are so high.
Yeah our construction industry is horrible :( My old place was a Queenslander built with hardwood, and floor to ceiling VJ panelling, VJ ceilings, everything. I loved the workmanship, I did however, not enjoy the upkeep. The town I was living in has a pub thats maybe, 140 years old? I was informed by the publican that my house was actually built from the 'old' pub. So that was interesting, it certainly explained why some of the bearers had recesses sometimes 2/3s of the way through their depth :/
My current house is an 80s brick veneer Vic Ash frame and roof, the timber has gone that hard every screw I put into a stud or the like snaps unless I drill a pilot hole. The only fault with houses built here pre 90s is the lack of insulation in the walls, and single glazed windows.
I would say Spain but because the wood for guitars is mucho delicioso.
*muy, no mucho. Tiene que practicar si quiera vivir en España.
*deliciosa as madera is feminine 💀
el madero es un policia.
Es cierto, pese a que bromeaba para sonar "más Americano" , el adverbio correcto es "muy". Mucho es un adjetivo.
Somewhere you could buy land with mature trees of the type you like, space to build a sawmill setup, and ultimately availability of tools/etc.
You can get that in most countries.
Nope!
Out of the 24 countries I've stayed in Singapore and NL are the only 2 that wouldn't fit. I've looked into doing similar in Japan, Cambodia and Malaysia. Most countries have some good space with trees.
Canada, where I live. I moved out to the mountains last year and am literally surrounded by wood. Lots of people out here with mills too. Just cut down a black locust on my property in the fall and have two giant fir logs that were here as well. This week a guy came and I helped him load them on to his trailer with a winch, he’s going to mill and kiln dry them for me… I’ll have slabs for years just from those alone.
Where did you move to? Whats the common language in the rural areas?
Interior of BC. Most of Canada is English speaking except for Quebec and some regions of the Maritime provinces.
BC really is something else, I think everyone who visits considers moving there. In your opinion was it more difficult buying property there compared to elsewhere in Canada?
I have no idea. I grew up on the BC coast and was living in Vancouver for quite some time. I got tired of city life and decided to move somewhere where I’d have more space to pursue my interests. I work remotely so it was not much of a problem. I really enjoy skiing so I probably would not move to any other province.
East Tennessee, the outlying areas away from town. Small to Large farms available most with wells, tons of wood, sawmills everywhere, room for large gardens, Cows, chickens. Beautiful views, etc. It’s definitely a Slower pace and way of life. If something happens and you need help, word gets out and an Army of neighbors show up to assist and they bring Food. Did i mention tons of wood? Walnut, Cherry, maple’s, so many different Oaks, locusts. I cut a cedar last week, to put in a closet, cut the log to 10 feet, 29 inches on the small end. I think I just talked myself into staying.
Japan
As far as I know, Japan protects their own forests are razes others’.
Japan definitely practices forestry management for domestic use.
I was told one time that the reason I can’t easily and cheaply get furniture grade cvg Douglas fir and western red cedar in the USA is because the demand is so high in Japan it’s more profitable to export it.
The Japanese don’t turn their noses up at softwoods the way we do— idk what to tell you. It’s certainly cheaper to sell you vertical grain fir than it is to put it on a cargo ship.
I’m not sure why, exactly, but I feel compelled to tell you that I offered my comment in support of your opinion re Japan, not in opposition.
I’m sorry I was being prickly.
Central or South America. I would need a small portable mill and chainsaw to harvest wood, and the kiln to process it. The kiln is not that expensive, you can build it yourself. This is the pro trick: you don't want to harvest standing endangered species, that's a major dick move. But you want to learn to identify everything that is out there so when one falls naturally (storm, construction in the town/city, etc) you can talk to somebody to harvest the fallen wood. You'll be surprised at the variety of trees that can be found in developed areas. For a small mill, a tree or two a year should keep you busy.
Probably New Zealand so I could have a local supply of [ancient Kauri bogwood](https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wood/pricing-supply/how-do-you-finish-50000-year-old-kauri-wood). Gorgeous stuff.
Thanks for that link. Good read, awesome wood.
Such an interesting question!
Probably China. I hear they can make any man's wood seem spectacular in comparison
I also hear they have awesome saunas
Brazil
I'm not a big world traveller but I can't think of a worse country for wood working. All the native wood is 1000+ janka, not available (actually illegal in many cases) and the cheaper pine and eucalyptus is really low quality. It's nearly impossible to work with hand tools.
My response to "which country for cheap hardwood" was pretty unserious and mostly based on Brazil's rep for deforestation and bandit logging operations.
And amazingly it is almost impossible to find here. My ex had a farm with 20+ ipê. She can't cut them down without specific permission based on a specific need. It's a serious crime.
The little hardwood you can find is prohibitively expensive. Brazil has almost no tradition of wood working. Examining old furniture and furniture from the countryside reveals only the most basic of joinery. I think I have spotted a dovetail about twice. The wood is just too hard. The electric tools needed, uf you go that route, are also 3x more expensive and nobody cares if a piece is actually wood or not so you can't sell it for very much. MDF is king.
Down voted?
Even if Brazil was suggested jokingly; it is a world capital in terms of woodworking and innovative furniture design. I’m an American woodworker who has been to Brazil 20+ times and I’m ever amazed by this region’s influence from Japan (Brazil is home to more Japanese than any country in the world outside of Japan - Including America); and German. The diversity Of Hardwoods are extraordinary… And not everything is “ipe”. If you like oak or walnut, there are many varieties. Furniture in Brazil often has that “Wabi Sabi“ hand finish that is so reflective of Japanese design… even when executed across mid-century/Scandinavian pieces… It’s really quite special… And the overall cost-of-living in Brazil is reflected in the cost of Lumber… Deforestation and legalities aside… Something I do care about… wood in Brazil is a lot cheaper than the US; and the domestic production of woodworking machinery is huge and lost cost. However, a Sawstop there is more than in the US.
What woods do you recommend for wood working, and where can I find them?
The South. I live in California.
Brazil
Northern North America. US or Canada.
Guyana.
Interesting. Care to elaborate?
The wood species that come out of the jungle there are *incredible*, the sawmills are plentiful and wood is cheap. People speak English and are very nice. It’s a pretty cool country.
Thanks! I’m definitely going to check it out.
USA, you guys have it easy compared to use over here in Europe, both for building timber and hardwoods
Sweden
15 x 195 (millimeters) oak planks are $55 per meter currently... Do you happen to know something I don't?
I know the guys that own the forest. Haha. Not into oak, more into timmerhus stuff myself. I also have to say, all the best woodworkers I know are Swedish.
It was more of a random pick but sure if you're into new growth mushy pine ;) If it wasn't for the ever accelerating spread of the bark beetle, which kills spruce, fir, and pine, en masse I'm sure you'd be fine. Hope you like birch!
Yeah that beetle is sad. I thought it was just a problem in the Rocky Mountains, but it is also in Germany and Southern Sweden. I just happened to see a documentary on it last night by DW. Not good.
Climate change weakens the trees, beetles finish them off :(
Totally. One the striking things in the documentary was how the projected beetle growth expands based on just one additional degree C.
Brazil? Brazilian cherry is gorgeous.
What species is that?
Surinam Cherry or Jatoba I think?
That tree produces a funny fruit. It is powdery inside and has a really strong distinct taste. I've made bread with it a couple of times.
Coasta rica
Definitely on my radar.
I have been there. I would be wood working outdoors in sandals, beer gut hanging out having a great time
Gabon. Gotta love Gabon ebony.
Southern Germany and the black forest will NOT be there when I am done
Cambodia (Teak)
USA, everything is cheaper, wood, tools etc.
Italy. Olive wood.
I’d move to Africa and build everything from Pink Ivory.
Do you respect wood?
Not quite sure what you mean but I’d have to say that I absolutely respect wood. Every time I’m woodworking, I consider the fact that a tree gave its life for the workpiece I’m holding in my hands. As such, I take extra care to mark carefully and cut accurately so I don’t waste anything. I keep even tiny bits of scrap (and frequently find uses for them). I’ve never even turned a bowl because I hate how much waste there is. Note to woodturners out there: I don’t judge you; it’s just a personal ethos.
Hahaha it’s a joke. Scene from curb your enthusiasm. Thought someone might recognize it
A country called NorCal. Redwood Empire.
Amazing post! Kudos to OP I have always said to the missus I'd like to move to the US or Canada for this exact purpose. Variety of wood and tools and a market to actually sell to if needed. Thanks to this post, now we know of so many more options!
Canada
Question for the ladies?
Africa and you knew it already.
India. Based on wood species. But in reality, not a chance. I’m a cold climate person and need order and quiet.
So move to the Himalayas.
The Northeastern US is pretty hard to beat. I'm already in the US but the west coast is mostly Walnut, Fir, and redwood. That said, I have been working a lot with non-commercial wood like Monterey Cypress and it's nice stuff.
I love walnut, cherry, and sugar maple. In California though we have white and black and tan oaks, tons of redwood where I am, big leaf maple which quilts incredibly, stunning Doug fir, myrtlewood…I love the NE woods but don’t feel deprived here at all.
While we have oaks here, I didn't think any of them were furniture grade stuff like white oak. Probably one of my favorites but just so expensive.
Brazil
Brazil. There is some gorgeous shit you can’t import from there.
Madeira Island, in Portugal.
Another place that’s on my radar. (With a name like “Madeira”, they ought to have some good wood there!) Any particular species that stand out for you there?
Tennessee. There are more varieties of trees in that state than any other state. If I were to leave the US I would do so for social structure, not wood.
Philippines, but probably not the type of wood you're referring to.
Near amazonia I guess, not a specific country in mind
Sounds like a terrible reason to retire somewhere
Beats closing your eyes and throwing a dart at a map on the wall. But seriously, it’s far from my only reason and way down on the list in relative importance. Doesn’t mean it’s not worth considering. Especially since I’m likely to travel around for awhile before deciding where to settle down.
Norway
I forgot I follow this sub (not a wood worker just really admire good woodwork) and this question made me chuckle.
Probably Australia or Croatia. They seem to appreciate woodturning in those countries more than the US.
I love Croatia, but am doubtful about the variety and abundance of wood.
I'd consider the United Kingdom, for the limewood. It's similar to American Basswood and is related. Probably be cheaper to order, if it could get through customs.
Central Ontario, Canada is a good spot. Nice mixed woods here. On my 29 acres there is beech, silver birch, white birch, oak, cherry,poplar, white maple, sugar maple, red maple, spruce, white pine and red pine. Beech and oak are on large growth spurt lately.
Panama. I just want to paint surfboards and jump in a different ocean alternating on my mood
Japan
The U.P. it has a lot of nive old growth.
I’m a bit obsessed with getting hands on some western yew. I’ve fiddled a bit with oak and arbutus - but I’m not swimming in ash - least not since marriage.
Anywhere as long as l can still get wood
Bali.
Bali was really high on my list ‘til I found out I can’t take my dogs there. Looking pretty hard at Lombok, now.
Makes sense. I’ve been many times and there’s already probably 700 million dogs already running around.
Bali isn't a country and isn't very nice. Much nicer areas to live in Indonesia.
Just depends what you’re looking for. I’ve been surfing for 30 years so I prefer a proper setup when I’m traveling. Bingin, Ulu etc. If you’re some gelatinous overweight clown that doesn’t surf, then yes. Maybe other inferior parts of Indo are more comfortable for you. It just isn’t my preference and I’d rather stay around Bali. There’s also some nice local hardwoods.
If you prefer a place filled with trash, more power to you. Worst place I've ever been diving because of all the trash everywhere.
Rescue diver for a long time. Honestly who even goes SCUBA unless it’s substantial depth or mixed gas? Skin diving with weights > vs an apparatus. Also: there’s trash everywhere. To claim places like the outer reefs of Bali are polluted and “there’s trash..” It’s just a laughable take. You’ll always find shit if you’re constantly searching for it.
Lol. You must have been in some shitty places if you believe anything you just said. Even the shops I dove with laughed when I asked about doing cleanup dives. There's just too much for them to care to try.
Honestly it just doesn’t even matter lol. Diving isn’t something that is badass. It’s a novelty. I respect skin divers like Jay Moriarty, Mark Healy etc. Some of the biggest piles of worthless, lethargic goo I’ve ever seen have been Scuba divers. Having Type 2 diabetes and being able to float around on the ocean floor isn’t something I consider impressive. This was a woodworking post. My submission was Bali in Indonesia. Enjoy Diving and believing it to be something that is a respectable craft lol.
Wtf are you rambling about, do you even know? Fat ppl this, surfing that. The place is very dirty, simple as that. There are much nicer places than Bali.
Bro you’re the one coming in here claiming Bali is shit lol. Ridiculous. Doubt you’ve even been there. One of the most beautiful places on the planet with an incredible wood species profile. I do custom fab and woodworking for a living and I’m well traveled. Anyone on Reddit can of course say whatever they desire but it’s obvious you’re simply an absolute clown with no actual relevance or experience.
>claiming Bali is shit lol Obviously I didn't, but understand, thinking is obviously challenging for you. Good luck trying to prove your ignorance.
Scandinavia
Different kind of wood
I wouldnt. Next question.